About the Workforce Intelligence Lab (WIL)
The Workforce Intelligence Lab (WIL) is an applied workforce research initiative. WIL builds methodology-transparent workforce intelligence, including labor demand signals, occupational and credential pathways, and training-to-employment outcome measures, and works with education, employer, and labor partners to turn that evidence into grant and sponsored-project collaborations. Learn more: https://wilinstitute.org
WIL is assembling a California team to respond to the California Energy Commission's Charger Service Skills Accelerator grant solicitation (GFO-26-601). The solicitation funds training that leads to portable, industry-recognized credentials for servicing electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment: installation, commissioning, verification and testing, maintenance, repair, technical support, and decommissioning. Funded projects must provide training, collaborate with worker, employer, and educational provider partners, and offer a clear path from training to quality jobs.
Opportunity type: this is a contingent proposal opportunity for California-based organizations in WIL's collaborator network, not a funded vacancy. Applications to the CEC are due October 30, 2026; awards are competitive and none has been made. Organizational participation would be set out in the application and, if funded, in the grant agreement and any subaward. If an award proceeds and the staffing model calls for it, WIL may also offer full-time employment or a project-based contract engagement to individuals. There is no guaranteed work or funding. We will ask before naming your organization or any individual in a proposal, and letters are requested only with your organization's agreement.
WIL is seeking California employers and worker organizations to serve as required project partners. The solicitation requires at least one Employer partner and one Worker Voice Representative, each with a letter of commitment; an application without them fails CEC screening.
What you'll do
- Serve as a required Employer partner (charge point operator, EVSE operations and maintenance firm, electrical contractor, employer association, or local workforce board) or Worker Voice Representative (union, labor-management partnership, worker center, worker cooperative, employment social enterprise, or community-based organization)
- Provide a letter of commitment, two pages maximum, describing your organization's role in the project
- Employers: share in-demand skills, equipment, and operating conditions, and commit to interviews, hiring, work-based learning, or job placement for graduates
- Worker voice partners: bring worker input on job safety, barriers to employment, and mentorship, and provide representation throughout the project term
- Help shape curriculum so it reflects real employer needs and job quality
- Take part in partner meetings and check-ins during the project term
- Optionally commit in-kind match, such as staff time, equipment, or facilities, documented in your letter
Apply to be considered.
Requirements
Required
- A California employer or employer association that hires for EV charging equipment service work, a local workforce development board serving that sector, or a worker organization independent of the employer partner with a record of meaningful, consistent, and ongoing advocacy of workers' interests
- An organization, not an individual worker, with authority to sign a letter of commitment before the October 30, 2026 deadline and to stay engaged for the project term
- Employers with collective bargaining agreements: participation and support from the union(s) representing your workers
Nice to have
- Employers: High Road employer practices such as competitive pay, employer-paid benefits, safety, and worker voice
- Existing relationships with community colleges, apprenticeship programs, or workforce boards
- Experience serving workers or communities facing barriers to employment